CONSTITUTION ofTHE NATIONAL RURAL LETTERCARRIERS’ ASSOCIATIONOrganized 1903 * Chicago, Illinois

1630 Duke StreetAlexandria, VA 22314-3467

Tel: 703-684-5545 Web: www.nrlca.org

NATIONAL BOARD

President ........................................ Jeanette DwyerVice President ................................Ronnie W. StuttsSecretary-Treasurer....................Clifford D. DailingDirector of Labor Relations ..........Joey C. JohnsonDirector of Steward Operations .David L. Heather

Executive Committee Chair Donald L. MastonPO Box 727, Fillmore, CA 93016

Tel: 805-420-9378

Executive Committeeman Dennis L. ConleyPO Box 445, Franklin, NC 28744-0445

Tel: 828-369-5054

Executive Committeeman Susan T. KnappPO Box 599, New Hampton, NY 10958-0599

Tel: 845-956-1117

Executive Committeeman Shirley BaffaPO Box 2435, Batesville, AR 72503-2435

Tel: 870-613-7838

HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAMS

Director ................................................Clifford D. DailingManager .......................................Lawrence J. WaligoraAssistant Manager...................................Cameron Deml

OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONThe National Rural Letter Carrier

Editor ......................................................Ronnie W. StuttsManaging Editor ......................................Melissa J. RayAssociate Editor..................................Clifford D. Dailing

1

2

This page intentionally left blank.

TABLE OF CONTENTSARTICLE I Name .......................................................................6ARTICLE II Purpose ...................................................................6ARTICLE III Members................................................................7Section 1. Member in Good Standing ..................................7Section 2. Classifications..........................................................7Section 3. Restrictions ...............................................................8Section 4. Affiliation..................................................................9Section 5. Application............................................................10Section 6. Dues .......................................................................10Section 7. Membership Year .................................................10Section 8. Magazine .............................................................10Section 9. Standards of Conduct for the Associationand its Members .....................................................................10Section 10. Discipline .............................................................11ARTICLE IV State Associations...............................................11Section 1. State Associations.................................................11Section 2. Officers ..................................................................12Section 3. Dues .......................................................................12Section 4. Annual Report.......................................................12Section 5. Dissolution .............................................................12Section 6. Units .......................................................................12Section 7. Trusteeship .............................................................12ARTICLE V National Officers ................................................14Section 1. Officers ..................................................................14Section 2. Duties .....................................................................14Section 3. Election ..................................................................17Section 4. Salaries..................................................................18Section 5. Expenses................................................................19Section 6. Benefits ..................................................................19Section 7. Removal .................................................................20Section 8. Vacancy in Office................................................20Section 9. Association Property ............................................21ARTICLE VI Meetings..............................................................21Section 1. National Convention............................................21Section 2. Delegates ..............................................................21Section 3. Compensation for National Paid Delegates .....24Section 4. National Officers ...................................................24

3

Section 5. Quorum ...................................................................24Section 6. Order of Business...................................................25Section 7. Special Meetings....................................................25ARTICLE VII National Board...................................................25Section 1. Members .................................................................25Section 2. Duties .......................................................................25Section 3. Meetings..................................................................26ARTICLE VIII Committees .........................................................26Section 1. Convention Committees ........................................26Section 2. Appeals Committee ...............................................27Section 3. Chaplain..................................................................28Section 4. Committee Meetings .............................................28Section 5. National Appeals Commission............................28Section 6. Special Committees ...............................................28Section 7. Committee Compensation.....................................28ARTICLE IX Steward System....................................................29Section 1. Responsibility...........................................................29Section 2. Role of State Associations ....................................29Section 3. Regional Representative........................................29Section 4. District Representative............................................30Section 5. Assistant District Representative............................31Section 6. Area Steward..........................................................31Section 7. Local Stewards........................................................32Section 8. Discipline .................................................................33Section 9. Decertification.........................................................34Section 10. Representatives/Stewards Acting as Managers .34Section 11. Salaries ..................................................................35Section 12. Expenses ...............................................................35Section 13. Benefits ..................................................................35Section 14. Association Property ...........................................36ARTICLE X Appeals ..................................................................36Section 1. State .........................................................................36Section 2. National ..................................................................38Section 3. Administration.........................................................40ARTICLE XI National Agreements ..........................................40Section 1. Presentation.............................................................40Section 2. Ratification Vote......................................................41

4

Section 3. Ratification Committee...........................................41Section 4. Ballot Tabulation.....................................................41ARTICLE XII Parliamentary Authority......................................41ARTICLE XIII Amendment of Constitution ..............................42APPENDIX A..............................................................................42

5

ARTICLE IName

The name of this Association shall be the NATIONALRURAL LETTER CARRIERS’ ASSOCIATION (NRLCA).

ARTICLE IIPurpose

The Association is established upon the long-recognizedneed of Rural Letter Carriers to organize and create a unitedforce, advance the interests of all members, ensure job secu-rity, enhance opportunities and assure our full share in thesuccess of the United States Postal Service to which we con-tribute so substantially.

The Association shall seek, with all of the resources at itscommand, to assist its members in the realization of their high-est aspirations as workers and as citizens. Such aspirationsare our right and shall be protected against all threats, InGod We Trust.

The Association is dedicated to the discharge of its respon-sibilities and the achievement of its objectives in accordancewith the democratic principles embodied in this Constitution.

The object of the Association shall be to improve conditionsof labor with the United States Postal Service, advance themethods used by Rural Letter Carriers and promote fraternalspirit among its members.

This Association shall not affiliate or merge with any otherorganization or group without a majority vote of the dele-gates at a National Convention.

6

ARTICLE IIIMembers

Section 1. Member in Good Standing. A “member in goodstanding” is a member who has made timely payment ofdues and has not voluntarily withdrawn or been expelled orsuspended by the Association.

Section 2. ClassificationsA. Bargaining Unit Member. Membership is open to thefollowing rural carriers:1. Regular Carriers (Designation Code 71), including regular carriers on limited duty assignments and assigned to (960-979) rural routes or who are in Injured-on-Duty/Leave Without Pay (IOD/LWOP) sta-tus and assigned to (980-989) rural routes;

2. Part-Time Flexible Rural Carriers (PTFs, Designation Code 76);

3. Substitute Rural Carriers (Designation Codes 72 and 73);

4. Rural Carrier Associates (RCAs, Designation Codes 78, 74, 79);

5. Rural Carrier Reliefs (RCRs, Designation Code 75);6. Auxiliary Rural Carriers (Designation Code 77); and7. Rural Carriers in the Armed Forces of our country, provided they were members when their duty began.

Bargaining Unit Members in good standing are entitled toall voting rights and to hold both elective and appointive office at all levels of the Association.

B. Retired Member. Retired membership is open to Rural Carriers who were members in good standing at retirementon an annuity. Eligibility for Retired membership expires onJune 30 of the year following retirement. Failure to pay dues for one full membership year terminates Retired mem-bership. However, a Retired carrier whose membership has

7

lapsed, due to extenuating circumstances, may apply for reinstatement to the National Secretary-Treasurer by providing proof of prior membership and the current year’sdues. The National Secretary-Treasurer shall present the request for membership to the National Board for a decision. Retired Members in good standing are entitled toall voting rights with the exception of ratification of National Agreements. Retired Members may not be elect-ed to National office.

C. Associate Member. Associate membership is open to Rural Carriers who were members in good standing and are now either working in other non-managerial Postal Service jobs or have left the service and are not receivingan annuity. Failure to pay dues for one full membership year terminates Associate membership. Associate Members shall not be entitled to vote or to hold elective orappointive office in the Association.

D. Retired Associate Member. Retired Associate member-ship is open to Associate Members who have retired on anannuity. Eligibility for Retired Associate membership expires on June 30 of the year following retirement. Failureto pay dues for one full membership year terminates Retired Associate membership. Retired Associates may notapply for reinstatement. Retired Associate Members shall not be entitled to vote or to hold elective or appointive office in the Association.

E. Honorary Member. Honorary membership may be bestowed by the Association at the National Convention upon recommendation of the National Board. Honorary Members shall not be entitled to vote or to hold elective orappointive office in the Association.

Section 3. Restrictions. Inasmuch as it is an unfair labor prac-tice under the Labor Management Relations Act (LMRA) for

8

any employer (including persons acting in that capacity) todominate or interfere with the administration of any labororganization, it follows that employers, while they may bemembers, may not be candidates for office or serve as offi-cers.

Members are prohibited from participation in theAssociation while serving in managerial or supervisory posi-tions, such as Officer-in-Charge (OIC), Acting Supervisor(204-B) or Postmaster Relief (PMR) or acting in any capaci-ty normally performed by a manager. Members who acceptmanagerial positions shall be deemed to have resigned fromall elected and appointed positions within the Associationand shall be prohibited from holding any elected or appoint-ed union positions for a period of one year from the last dayserved in that capacity.

Section 4. AffiliationA. Organized States including organized Territories.

Members working in organized states shall affiliate with the state association representing the office from which the route originates. The state association shall determine affiliation with local, district and/or county units.

B. Unorganized States. Bargaining Unit Rural Carriers working in unorganized states or territories shall become members of this Association upon payment of annual National per capita dues. Such members may also affiliate with the following organized states by pay-ing that state association’s per capita dues: Alaska - membership in Washington;Hawaii - membership in California;Virgin Islands - membership in Puerto Rico.

C. Involuntary Reassignment. A member involuntarily reassigned to another state may retain membership in the

9

former state by payment of that state’s per capita dues. Anindividual with membership in two states may be a candi-date for National Delegate and shall have voting rights forselection of such in one state.

D. Retirees. A Retired Member shall affiliate either in the state of residence or in the state where previously employed as a regular rural carrier.

Section 5. Application. The Association recognizes andaccepts Standard Forms 1187 and 1187-R, Authorization forDeduction of Dues, for employees or retirees wishing to jointhe Association. Additionally, prospective members maymake application by remitting in advance the appropriateannual cash payment.

Section 6. Dues. Annual National Per Capita dues shall be:A. Regular, PTF and Associate - 1.2% of the annual

salary of a 40 hour step 1 from table two of the current rural carrier evaluated schedule in effect;

B. Leave Replacements (Substitutes, RCR, RCA and Auxiliary) - .425 (thousandths) % of the annual salary of a 40 hour step 1 from table two of the current rural carrier evaluated schedule in effect;

C. Retired and Retired Associate - $54.00.

Section 7. Membership Year. The Association year shall beJuly 1 through June 30.

Section 8. Magazine. Members in good standing shallreceive each issue of The National Rural Letter Carrier.

Section 9. Standards of Conduct for the Association and itsMembers

A. Maintain democratic procedures and practices;

10

B. Ensure members’ rights to participation in the affairs of the Association through periodic elections, fair and equal treatment under the governing rules and due process in any disciplinary proceedings;

C. Prevent discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, gender, religion, creed, national origin or disability, or on the basis of marital, economic, social or political status;

D. Maintain the fiscal integrity of the Association;

E. Prohibit business or financial interests on the part of its officers and agents which conflict with their duty to the Association.

Section 10. Discipline. The National Board may disciplineany member of the Association or subordinate unit for mis-conduct or neglect of duty in office after a fair and impartialhearing. Any member so disciplined shall have a right ofappeal as provided in this Constitution.

ARTICLE IVState Associations

Section 1. State Associations. State Associations will includeany State or Territorial Association chartered by theNational Rural Letter Carriers’ Association. A state or territo-ry with at least fifteen members may apply for charter to theNational Board by remitting a charter fee of $5.00, nation-al per capita dues for its members and a copy of its pro-posed Constitution for review by the National Board. Nostate constitution shall conflict with the NRLCA Constitution.The State Board shall have the authority to make interimamendments to the state constitution when necessary to con-form to state and federal law.

No state association shall offer representation to rural craft

11

employees in matters relating to EEO, MSPB, OWCP orother non-contractual issues without prior written consent ofthe National Board.

Section 2. Officers. Each state association shall have aPresident, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer (or a com-bined Secretary-Treasurer) and such other officers as thestate association deems necessary.

Section 3. Dues. A state which fails to remit National percapita dues for all members before the close of business onthe first day of the National Convention shall be suspendedfrom membership in the Association. Should per capita duesremain unpaid after ninety days, the state’s charter shall berevoked.

Section 4. Annual Report. Each state secretary shall preparean Annual Report immediately after the close of the stateconvention. The report shall be mailed to the NationalSecretary-Treasurer and shall include a roster of StateOfficers and Appointees, the roster of National Delegatesand adopted resolutions which fall within the jurisdiction ofthe National Convention.

Section 5. Dissolution. In the event of dissolution or revoca-tion of a state association’s charter, all assets shall becomethe property of the NRLCA. The balance of the aforemen-tioned funds shall be returned when the state associationresumes operation and/or is re-chartered.

Section 6. Units. States shall have authority to establish sub-ordinate units. No unit’s Constitution shall conflict with theNRLCA Constitution.

Section 7. TrusteeshipA. Purpose. The National Board may place any subordinate unit in trusteeship for any of the following

12

reasons:1. To uphold the principles of this Constitution;2. To prevent or correct corruption or financial mismanagement;

3. To ensure performance of collective bargaining agreements or duties of a bargaining representative;

4. To restore democratic procedures;5. To otherwise carry out the objectives of the Association.

B. Authority. The trustee shall assume immediate control of the subordinate unit with full authority over all officers and property. The trustee shall act in such capacity for the duration of the trusteeship.

C. Hearing. A trusteeship hearing shall be held before a committee of three members within 30 days of imposing trusteeship. The members shall be selected as follows: onemember selected by the National Board, one selected bythe Board in trusteeship and a chairman selected by the other two members. The committee shall have sole discre-tion regarding the conduct and procedures of the trustee-ship hearing. Only Bargaining Unit Members may serve on this committee. No member of this committee shall be chosen from the State Association or Unit in trusteeship, orfrom the National Board. The committee shall report its findings and recommendations to the President as soon aspractical following the hearing. The National Board shall determine whether to continue or to terminate the trustee-ship.

D. Termination. The affected subordinate unit may petitionthe National Board to terminate the trusteeship at six month intervals following the decision of the National Board. The board of the subordinate unit in trusteeship may appeal the decision of the National Board as provid-ed in this Constitution. The National Board may termi-

13

nate a trusteeship at any time.

ARTICLE VNational Officers

Section 1. Officers. The National Officers shall be aPresident, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, Director ofLabor Relations, Director of Steward Operations and anExecutive Committee of four members. The President, VicePresident, Secretary-Treasurer, Director of Labor Relationsand Director of Steward Operations shall be resident officersat National Headquarters.

Section 2. Duties. The National Officers shall perform suchduties as are prescribed in this Constitution, by the NationalBoard or in the adopted parliamentary authority.

A. President1. Direct the Association’s affairs, including the Headquarters Office;

2. Preside at meetings of the Association and theNational Board, and enforce the laws thereof;

3. Temporarily fill vacancies on the National Board, subject to the approval of the National Board;

4. At the close of each National Convention, appoint special committees and fill vacancies occurring there-in during recess;

5. Make decisions on questions of governing law, sub-ject to approval of the National Board, and report such for approval to the next National Convention;

6. Submit a written report of official acts to each National Convention;

7. Prepare a summary report on the disposition of thoseresolutions adopted at the previous convention;

8. Grant and issue charters in conjunction with the Secretary-Treasurer;

9. Appoint Association members, retain legal counsel

14

and secure other services to fulfill the obligations of the Association related to Labor-Management Relations, with the approval of the National Board. Members appointed to such duties shall receive sub-hire as defined in this Constitution, reimbursement fornecessary expenses and a daily meal allowance;

10. Sign papers and documents requiring thePresident’s signature;

11. Countersign checks issued in payment of obligations of the Association as required.

B. Vice President1. Preside in the absence of the President;2. Assume the office of President in case of the President’s resignation, removal or death and serve until such time as a successor shall be duly elected and installed;

3. Act on behalf of the majority of the National Board should the President become disqualified or refuse

or neglect to discharge the duties of President;4. Countersign checks issued in payment of obligationsof the Association as required;

5. Perform other duties as prescribed by the President.

C. Secretary-Treasurer1. Keep a correct record of the proceedings of the Association;

2. Conduct and keep a correct record of the correspon-dence of the Association;

3. Have charge of the official seal, books, papers and documents of the Association and affix the seal of the Association to official documents;

4. Prepare for posting on the NRLCA website a correct copy of the entire proceedings of the National Convention or special meeting of the Association within two months of the close of said meeting. In addition, the secretary-treasurer will advertise the availability of a hard copy of the entire proceedings

15

in a fall edition of The National Rural Letter Carrier.This hard copy will be mailed to any requesting member. The report shall include a statement of the financial condition and membership of the Association;

5. Receive monies due and make timely deposits into the Association’s Treasury;

6. Cause to be written verified orders for payments drawn on the Treasury and issue checks in payment of properly itemized invoices, statements, authorized payroll payments and other obligations of the Association as directed by the National Board;

7. Invest Association funds, in excess of those needed for current operation, in U.S. Government Securities or federally insured financial institutions as directed by the National Board;

8. Keep in force a blanket bond covering the National Officers, National Office employees and state asso-ciation officers in an amount determined by the National Board;

9. Keep a true and correct account of financial transac-tions. The Association’s books and records shall be audited at the end of each fiscal year by a certified public accountant selected by the President. The report of the certified public accountant shall be sub-mitted to the National Convention;

10. Prepare a quarterly financial report providing both the statement of activities and statement of financial position for the Association. This report shall be published in The National Rural Letter Carrier;

11. Meet with the Finance Committee and provide a detailed overview of the total revenues, expendi-tures and financial position of the Association;

12. Submit a financial report to the Finance Committee at the National Convention that details the period July 1 to the opening of Convention;

16

13. Employ such office help as may be necessary to properly discharge the duties of the office, subject to the approval of the National Board;

14. Perform other duties as prescribed by the President.

D. Director of Labor Relations1. Oversee the steward system in the field;2. Develop and disseminate educational programs for stewards;

3. Supervise Step 4 Grievance and Arbitration proce-dures;

4. Devote time to labor relations;5. Perform other duties as prescribed by the President.

E. Director of Steward Operations1. Develop and disseminate educational programs for stewards;

2. Coordinate operation of the steward system and training of stewards in the field with the Director of Labor Relations;

3. Perform other duties as prescribed by the President.

F. Executive Committee Members1. Act as Trustees of the Association;2. Administer the steward system and other labor rela-tions activities in the Postal Areas to which they are assigned by the President;

3. Coordinate activities with the Director of Labor Relations and the Director of Steward Operations;

4. Perform other duties as prescribed by the President.

Section 3. Election

A. The nomination and election of officers shall take placeat each National Convention. Nominations shall be in order at any time after 10:00 a.m. on the second day of business and until the time of elections.

17

B. No member shall be eligible for office in the Associationwho currently holds a position in Management in the PostalService, or in another craft, or has not been a continuous member in good standing for three consecutive years priorto nomination.

C. The President, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, Director of Labor Relations and Director of Steward Operations shall be elected for one year or until their suc-cessors are elected and installed. Executive Committeemenshall be elected one each year for a four-year term or untiltheir successors are elected and installed.

D. The election of officers shall be by majority vote, and write-in votes shall not be considered valid. Election shall be by ballot when there is more than one nominee for thesame office. When there are more than two nominees forthe same office, the one receiving the least number of voteson the third ballot and on each succeeding ballot shall bedropped, until election is accomplished. When there is only one nominee for an office and nominations have been closed, the President or Secretary-Treasurer shall declare that the nominee is elected.

Section 4. Salaries. Officers shall be paid annual salaries asfollows:

President $137,852;Vice President $131,654;Secretary-Treasurer $131,654;Director of Labor Relations $131,654;Director of Steward Operations $131,654;Executive Committee Members $113,070.

Salaries shall be paid biweekly and are full payment for ser-vices rendered. Salaries shall be adjusted to reflect cost-of-liv-ing adjustments received by regular rural craft employees plusan automatic pay increase equal to the dollar amount pay

18

increase received by a 43K, Step 12 carrier. Officers shall nothold any other paid position in the Association or in connec-tion with the Association. No officer shall be allowed com-pensation for services or expenses if the officer is receivingcompensation from any other source for that service.

Section 5. ExpensesA. Travel. Officers shall be paid actual travel and lodgingexpenses plus a $40.00 meal allowance per day while intravel status. Executive Committee Members are consid-ered to be in a travel status when working at the Headquarters Office.

B. Lodging. Resident officers shall be furnished living quar-ters in the Washington, D.C. area.

C. Review. Itemized expenses shall be reviewed and approved for payment by the National Board.

Section 6. BenefitsA. Retirement and Insurance. The Association shall pay only the USPS portion of contributions for National Officers to continue in the Federal Retirement, Health andLife Insurance Programs in which they were enrolled priorto election to national office.

B. Annual Leave. National Officers shall be granted 26 days annual leave per year, which may be accumulated up to 55 days. At the end of each fiscal year, all or a por-tion may be “cashed out” at their current rate. Within six months of termination of service, an officer or officer’s estate shall be paid for accumulated annual leave at theircurrent rate.

C. Sick Leave. National Officers shall earn 13 days sick leave per year. Unused sick leave shall be carried forwardfor future use. Within six months of termination of service,

19

an officer shall be paid for accumulated sick leave at the sub-hire rate.

Section 7. Removal. The National Board may suspend withpay a national officer for misconduct or neglect of duty inoffice, pending a hearing before a committee of three mem-bers within 30 days of suspension. The members shall beselected as follows: one member selected by the NationalBoard, one selected by the suspended officer and a chair-man selected by the other two members. No national officer shall serve on the Committee. The committee shall report itsfindings and recommendations to the next NationalConvention. The National Convention, by a two-thirds vote,may remove the officer from office. An officer does not havethe right of appeal.

Section 8. Vacancy in OfficeA. President. In the case of vacancy in the office of President, the Vice President shall serve as President for theremainder of the term.

B. Other Offices. In the case of vacancy in any other office,the President shall appoint a successor, subject to the approval of the National Board. In the event the vacancyoccurs within sixty days preceding the National Convention, the vacancy shall be filled by election at the Convention.

C. Separation. An officer who voluntarily separates from the rural craft shall be deemed to have resigned from office. An officer whose separation from the rural craft is determined by the National Board to be through no fault of the officer shall remain in office until the next National Convention. Should an officer retire to avoid detrimental effects to retirement benefits because of changes in the retirement system or tax laws, such officer shall remain in office until the next National Convention.

20

Section 9. Association Property. Officers shall account forand deliver to their successors or to the National Board allmonies, books, papers, securities or other property of theAssociation at the end of their term of office or when request-ed by the National Board.

ARTICLE VIMeetings

Section 1. National Convention. A convention shall be heldeach year between August 1 and September 30 on datesdetermined by the National Board. The National Boardshall select a host city at least five years in advance from thefollowing regions, in this order: Mid-States, Southwest,Western, South Atlantic, and Eastern. Once a conventioncity has been selected, all arrangements and costs of theconvention shall be borne by the National Association,under the supervision and authority of the National Board.

Section 2. Delegates

A. Eligibility1. Each state association shall be entitled to representa-tion by one delegate for every 100 members or major fraction thereof and one Delegate-at-Large. Membership shall be based on the number of dues withholding and cash pay Bargaining Unit and Retired Members on June 30 of the Association year just ended.

2. Only Bargaining Unit Members and Retired Membersin good standing may be nominated, elected or seat-ed as delegates. Such “good standing” status shall bethe sole prerequisite for determining eligibility or enti-tlement to service as a delegate or to any payment orbenefit, except that a state may establish reasonablerules to ensure attendance at the Convention.

3. A member who accepts or acts at any time in any

21

capacity normally performed by a manager from theend of one Convention to the end of the next Convention shall be ineligible to be nominated or serve as delegate.

B. Nomination1. Within each state association, nominations for National Delegate shall be submitted by U.S. Mail toa pre-arranged post office box on a nominating ballot or copy. The nominating ballot shall be signedand show the name and address of the member making the nomination, and may include self-nomination. The nominating ballot and instructions shall be posted on the NRLCA website and in all published issues of The National Rural Letter Carrier from February-May.

2. Nominations must be received in the pre-arranged post office box at least 40 days prior to the openingof the state convention. Upon receipt, the State Secretary shall send a notice of nomination to the candidate by U.S. Mail.

C. Elections1. A member must be on the rolls at least 40 days priorto the opening of the state convention in order to be eligible to vote for National Delegates.

2. The State Secretary shall prepare a ballot listing the candidates for National Delegate. Instructions on each ballot shall include the number of delegates to be elected, the deadline for return of the ballot and the mailing address of the designated post office box. The number of votes cast on each ballot shall not exceed the number of delegates to which the state association was entitled at the previous convention.

3. The State Secretary shall cause the ballot to be mailedto eligible members at least 20 days prior to the opening of the state convention. In addition, the State

22

Secretary/Designee shall arrange for the rental of a post office box for the receipt of the ballots and another for the return of undeliverable ballots.

4. An envelope marked “Ballot” shall be provided in which to seal the ballot. To permit verification of mem-bership and to maintain the integrity of the voting procedure, an outer envelope, also marked “Ballot” which clearly identifies the name and address of the member, shall also be provided. The sealed envelopecontaining the ballot shall be placed in the outer envelope by the member and mailed to the designat-ed post office box.

5. An Election Committee shall be appointed by the State President. No candidate for National Delegatemay serve on the Election Committee. After the dead-line for receipt of ballots, the Election Committee shallcollect and tabulate the ballots at the state conven-tion. The post office box designated for the return of ballots shall be accessible only to the Election Committee.

6. Any candidate or designee may observe the ballot tabulation. In reporting the results of the election, thecandidates shall be placed on a roster in the order ofvotes received. The number of delegates to which thestate is entitled shall be declared regular delegates; the remaining candidates shall be declared alter-nates.

7. Each state association shall be entitled to one Delegate-at-Large from the roster of elected regular delegates. That position shall be filled by a state offi-cer in ranking order, beginning with the State President. A state officer may not be automatically declared a delegate by virtue of office unless electedby direct vote of the membership. National-Paid Delegates shall be named in accordance with the plu-rality of votes received.

8. The State Secretary shall prepare and send

23

credentials to the National Secretary-Treasurer for theDelegate-at-Large, regular delegates and anappropriate number of alternates immediately following the state convention. The credentials shall be embossed with the state’s seal to verify authenticity.

9. Delegates-at-Large and regular elected delegates presenting identification to the Credentials Committeeat the National Convention shall be certified and seated.

Section 3. Compensation for National Paid Delegates. TheNational Association shall pay the Delegate-at-Large fromeach state for mileage at twice the IRS reimbursement ratefor one-way travel as determined by the Credentials/Mileage and Per Diem Committee and $75.00 per diemduring sessions of the Convention. Additionally, the NationalAssociation shall pay mileage and per diem on the samebasis to one regular delegate for each 800 members, pro-vided this shall not increase the total number of delegates towhich each state is entitled. No Delegate-at-Large shallreceive a per diem until the Committee on Credentialsreceives the state delegation roster under the seal of theState Secretary. This roster shall be furnished no later thanthe first session of the Convention.

Section 4. National Officers. Each National Officer shall beentitled to vote on every question before the NationalConvention, except the election of National Officers. Theimmediate past National President shall have the status ofDelegate-at-Large at the National Convention immediatelyfollowing his/her term of office and shall be entitled to voteon every question before the National Convention, exceptthe election of National Officers.

Section 5. Quorum. The quorum at any meeting of theNational Convention shall be a majority of the voting dele-gates who have been registered as in attendance, repre-

24

senting not less than 25 states.

Section 6. Order of Business. The National ConventionProgram shall be the order of business. The President maymake changes for a session to expedite the proceedings oraccommodate guest speakers. The order of business maybe transposed by a majority vote of the Convention, withthe following exceptions:

A. The first item of business shall be the report of the Credentials Committee;

B. Beginning Wednesday afternoon, the report of the Constitution Committee, followed by the report of the Resolutions Committee, shall be the order of business with-out interruption, unless suspended by a two-thirds vote of the Convention.

Section 7. Special Meetings. A special meeting of theAssociation may be called by the President upon writtenrequest of the majority of the States holding charters, providedno meeting shall be called within less than thirty days’ notice.

ARTICLE VIINational Board

Section 1. Members. The members of the National Board shallbe the officers.

Section 2. Duties. The National Board shall perform suchduties as are prescribed in this Constitution as well as the following:

A. Maintain and distribute The National Rural Letter Carrier, the official publication of the Association. Employ an editor, publisher and other employees as necessary;

25

B. Maintain a Headquarters Office in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area;

C. Set the annual salaries of personnel employed in theHeadquarters Office;

D. Submit, individually, a written report at each NationalConvention or special meeting of the Association.

Section 3. Meetings. Meetings of the National Board maybe called by the President or by a majority of members of theNational Board.

ARTICLE VIIICommittees

Section 1. Convention Committees. The followingConvention Committees shall be appointed by the Presidentfrom the elected National Delegates:

A. Constitution Committee of at least five members appointed at least two full weeks before the National Convention, which shall compare, combine, correct (retain-ing their intent), compose and report proposed changes tothe Convention with a recommendation;

B. Credentials/Mileage and Per Diem Committee of at least five members appointed at least two full weeks beforethe National Convention, which shall verify the credentials of National Delegates and shall prepare a report listing, by state, membership and the number of votes to which each state is entitled. The committee shall also determine the allowance for National Delegates assigned to committees, delegates-at-large and other national paid delegates;

C. Finance Committee of at least three members appointed

26

at least two full weeks before the National Convention, which shall review the Association’s financial records fromJuly 1 of the previous year through opening day of the convention and consider suggestions from members of theNational Board and delegates. The Finance Committee shall submit recommendations for dues, general expendi-tures and officers’ salaries, benefits and expenses. These recommendations shall be reported to the Convention andsubmitted to the Constitution Committee. The Finance Committee shall have access to the Association’s CPA firmand to necessary records;

D. Media Committee which shall be responsible for dis-playing proposed constitutional amendments and resolutions for discussion by the delegates;

E. Press Room Committee of at least five members appointed at least two full weeks before the National Convention, which shall publish a daily convention newsletter and provide copy service for official conventionbusiness;

F. Resolutions Committee of at least five members appointed at least two full weeks before the National Convention, which shall compare, combine, correct (retaining their intent) and report proposed resolutions to the Convention;

G. Sergeants-at-Arms Committees which shall maintain order and carry out instructions as directed by the presiding officer;

H. Tellers Committees which shall assist in counting votes and shall distribute, collect and tabulate ballots as necessary.

Section 2. Appeals Committee. Such Appeals Committees as

27

may be necessary shall be appointed by the President com-prised of five Bargaining Unit Members. No national officer,members who have participated at any level of the appeal,or members from the state with a pending appeal shall serveon the committee. Such committees shall be provided com-plete files prior to the Convention.

Section 3. Chaplain. A Convention Chaplain shall beappointed by the President.

Section 4. Committee Meetings. Committees shall meet atthe Convention site on a date to be determined by thePresident.

Section 5. National Appeals Commission. The NationalPresident, with the approval of the National Board, shallappoint a National Appeals Commission of five BargainingUnit Members as follows: one member from each geo-graphic area served by the four Executive Committeemenand a fifth selected at large. The President shall appoint onemember as Chair. No national officer shall serve on theCommission. No member shall serve more than three consecutive years.Members of the National Appeals Commission shall beexcluded from participation in appeals from their state.

Section 6. Special Committees. Special committees may becreated as necessary by the President or the NationalBoard.

Section 7. Committee Compensation. Compensation equalto the maximum daily rate of salary payable at the top stepof the Rural Carrier Evaluated Schedule Table 1, exclusive ofEquipment Maintenance Allowance, shall be defined as sub-hire.

A. National Convention Committees. Committee members

28

shall receive sub-hire, a daily meal allowance, actual lodging expenses and any additional travel expenses deemed appropriate for one day of travel to the conven-tion site and for meeting days prior to the official openingday of the Convention. Committee members may not receive a daily meal allowance and per diem for the sameday. Committee members shall receive per diem during thesessions of the convention and mileage to be determined by the Mileage and Per Diem Committee.

B. Other Special Committees. Members assigned to special committees shall receive sub-hire, a daily meal allowance and necessary expenses.

ARTICLE IXSteward System

Section 1. Responsibility. Representation, provided for in theNational Agreement, shall be accomplished through theSteward System. The NRLCA shall be responsible for theSteward System throughout the Nation. The NRLCARepresentatives/Stewards shall be responsible for process-ing grievances and appeals through the Grievance-Arbitration procedure. The Association, as the exclusive bar-gaining agent, is the only organization authorized to repre-sent Rural Carriers in matters of labor-management relations.

Section 2. Role of State Associations. Each state shall makerecommendations for the positions of District Representativeand Assistant District Representatives. The NationalAssociation shall consult with the State Association(s) for thename(s) of a member to serve as a District Representative(s)and Assistant District Representative(s). The final decisionshall be made by the National Association.

Section 3. Regional Representative A. The National Association shall be responsible to

29

appoint Regional Representative(s) as they deem necessary to fully support the Steward System.

B. Duties1. Process and adjudicate Step 3 grievances;2. Oversee certification training;3. Liaison between the National Association and District and Assistant District Representatives;

4. A person serving full time in this position cannot serve on their respective state board;

5. Other duties as assigned by the National Association.

Section 4. District RepresentativeA. The National Association shall be responsible toappoint and certify District Representative(s) as they deemnecessary to fully support the Steward System. The DistrictRepresentative shall be responsible to the NationalAssociation for the performance of all duties. DistrictRepresentatives shall be full-time employees of theNational Association. A District Representative may beassigned to more than one (1) postal district. B. Duties1. Supervise and administer the Steward System within the assigned postal district(s);

2. Certify Area and Local Stewards, with notification to appropriate postmasters and the National Association;

3. Train Area and Local Stewards prior to certification, utilizing training materials provided by the National Association;

4. Provide certification training, and additionally provideenhancement training as required by the National Association to Area and Local Stewards;

5. Appeal grievances to Step 2 and Step 3, in conjunction with the Executive Committeeman and/ or Regional Representative;

30

6. Act, or designate another to act, as a representative in the event an Area or Local Steward is unavailable;

7. A person serving full time in this position cannot serveon their respective state board;

8. Other duties as assigned by the National Association.

Section 5. Assistant District RepresentativeA. The National Association shall be responsible toappoint and certify an Assistant District Representative(s)as they deem necessary to fully support the StewardSystem. The Assistant District Representative shall beresponsible to the District Representative and to theNational Association for the performance of all duties.Assistant District Representatives may be full-time or part-time.

B. Duties1. Represent carriers in offices assigned by the District Representative;

2. Serve with the same authority as the District Representative, under his/her direction;

3. Appeal grievances to Step 2 and Step 3 in the absence of the District Representative and in conjunc-tion with the Executive Committeeman and/or Regional Representative;

4. Assist in training of Area and Local Stewards;5. A person serving full time in this position cannot serveon their respective state board;

6. Other duties as assigned by the National Association.

Section 6. Area StewardA. Area Stewards shall be responsible to the DistrictRepresentative. Area Stewards shall be certified in no morethan twenty (20) offices in a specific geographic area, asdetermined by the District Representative. Area Stewardsare equal in authority to a Local Steward and have noauthority in an office that currently has a Local Steward.

31

The National Association shall appoint all Area Stewardsand fund salaries, benefits, and expenses. B. Duties1. Represent carriers in offices assigned by the District Representative;

2. Handle all grievances as directed by the District Representative;

3. Process grievances through Step 1;4. Appeal grievances to Step 2 and forward the originalfile to the District Representative;

5. Attend training sessions as required by the National Association.

Section 7. Local StewardsA. Local Stewards shall be responsible to the DistrictRepresentative and have no authority until certified.

B. Selection1. Any member in a local office or a delivery unit may be elected Local Steward and shall serve until a successor is elected and certified or until he/sheresigns. Where a local steward is in place, any mem-ber may call for an election in the month of July of every fourth year. An election may also be called for any time the position is vacant, or when two-thirds of the members submit a petition to the District Representative for approval.

2. Local steward elections require written notification to all members at least 15 days before the date of the election. Election shall require a majority of votes castby members in a local office or a delivery unit. In the event of a tie vote, the National Association, upon recommendation of the District Representative, shall select a steward to serve in that office or delivery unit until a new Local Steward has been elected and certified.

32

3. When more than one Local Steward has been electedin a delivery unit, a Chief Steward shall be elected by the members of that delivery unit. When an office is comprised of multiple delivery units, a Chief Steward shall be elected from among the current local stewards by all members of that office and shall represent the craft in matters that concern the entire office. A Chief Steward shall be selected by the District Representative in the event of a tie. The Chief Steward for the office shall also serve as the Local Steward for delivery units where no Local Steward has been elected.

C. Duties1. Assist any rural craft employee who feels aggrieved and accompany the grievant during any discussion with management, if the employee desires;

2. Meet with the Postmaster or designee as expeditiously as possible to jointly develop the facts inthe grievance file and attempt to resolve the griev-ance when the Step 1 discussion has failed;

3. Appeal grievances to Step 2 and submit the original file to the District Representative;

4. Represent the rural carrier craft in the office or deliv-ery unit;

5. Maintain certification by attending annual enhance-ment training and other training as required. Failure todo so shall result in decertification by the District Representative.

Section 8. Discipline. Any representative/steward may bedisciplined for violation of the Constitution or policies setforth by the Association. The National Board, by a three-fourths vote, may suspend or expel a representative/stewardfrom office. Charges may be filed on the following grounds:A. Neglect of duty or breach of the Constitution;

33

B. Conduct detrimental to the welfare and interests of themembership of the Association;C. Conduct which hinders the due process of the grievanceprocedure;D. Instigating or engaging in acts on the side of manage-ment that violate the principles of the National Agreementor Constitution.

Section 9. DecertificationA. A Regional/District/Assistant District Representativemay be decertified by the National Association for the fol-lowing reasons:1. Failure of Duty of Fair Representation;2. Failure to process grievances;3. Failure to attend training sessions;4. Failure to adhere to NRLCA rules and regulations.

B. A Local/Area Steward may be decertified by the District Representative after consultation with the ExecutiveCommitteeman and/or Directors of Labor Relations/Steward Operations for the following reasons:1. Failure of Duty of Fair Representation;2. Failure to process grievances;3. Failure to attend training sessions;4. Failure to adhere to NRLCA rules and regulations.

Section 10. Representatives/Stewards Acting As ManagersA. Regional, District, and Assistant District Representatives.Upon acceptance of any supervisory or managerial posi-tion with the Postal Service the Regional, District orAssistant District Representative shall immediately notify theNational Executive Committeeman assigned to their areaand shall be immediately decertified. On return to a craftposition the former representative may not resume repre-sentative duties for a minimum period of one year.B. Area and Local Stewards. Upon acceptance of anysupervisory or managerial position with the Postal Service

34

all other stewards shall notify the District Representativeand shall be immediately decertified. On return to the craftposition the former steward may not resume steward dutiesfor a minimum period of one year.

Section 11. Salaries. Salaries shall be paid biweekly andare full payment for services rendered. Salaries shall beadjusted to reflect the cost-of-living adjustments and generalwage increases received by regular rural carrier craftemployees per the National Agreement. Area Stewardsshall be reimbursed for all lost annual and sick leave. Norepresentative/steward shall be allowed compensation forservices and/or expenses if the representative/steward isreceiving compensation from any other source for such ser-vices and/or expenses.

Section 12. ExpensesA. Travel. Regional, District, and Assistant DistrictRepresentatives shall be paid actual travel and lodgingexpenses plus a $40.00 meal allowance per day while intravel status. B. Review 1. Itemized expenses of Area/Local Stewards and Assistant District Representatives shall be reviewed and approved by the District Representative and finalized by the National Association.

2. Itemized expenses of Regional/District Represent-atives shall be reviewed and approved by the Executive Committeeman and finalized by the National Association.

Section 13. BenefitsA. Retirement and Insurance. The Association shall payonly the USPS portion of contributions for representativesto continue in the Federal Retirement, Health, and LifeInsurance Programs in which they were enrolled prior totheir appointment.

35

B. The National Association shall pay for any annual andsick leave days lost because of accumulation of leave with-out pay (LWOP) for all part-time Assistant DistrictRepresentatives/Area Stewards while working for theNational Association.C. Annual Leave. Full-time Representatives shall be grantedtwenty-six (26) days annual leave per year, which may beaccumulated up to fifty-five (55) days. At the end of eachfiscal year, all or a portion may be “cashed out” at theircurrent rate. Within six (6) months of termination of ser-vice, a representative or representative’s estate shall bepaid for accumulated annual leave at the current rate.D. Sick Leave. Full-time Representatives shall earn thirteen(13) days sick leave per year. Unused sick leave shall becarried forward for future use. Within six (6) months of ter-mination of service, a representative or representative’sestate shall be paid for accumulated sick leave at the cur-rent rate.

Section 14. Association Property. Representatives/Stewardsshall account for and deliver to their successors, or theNational Board, all monies, books, papers, securities orother property of the Association at the end of their term ofoffice or when requested by the National Association.

ARTICLE XAppeals

Section 1. StateA. A member aggrieved by any action of a state associa-tion or officer shall have the right to appeal to the State Board.1. Appeals must be in writing and be filed with the StatePresident via first class mail within 30 days of havingknowledge of said action.

2. Within 10 days of receipt of the appeal, the State President shall notify all members of the State Board

36

and the assigned Executive Committeeman and shallrequest that the Charging Party provide a letter out-lining the specific charges and any relief sought. Thisletter of specificity, along with complete documenta-tion, must be returned via first class mail within 20 days of receipt of the President’s request.

3. Upon receipt of the letter of specificity, the State President shall forward a copy to the Charged Party for response. The Charged Party shall have 20 days from receipt of said letter to respond in writing and provide documentation to the State President via firstclass mail.

4. The State Board shall review the Charging Party’s let-ter of specificity, documentation, relief sought and theresponse of the Charged Party. The State Board is authorized, in consultation with the Executive Committeeman, to take the necessary action to resolve the issue within 30 days. Extension of this 30-day time limit, when necessary, shall not exceed 15 days. The Charging Party(s) and Charged Party(s) (hereafter referred to as the Party or Parties) shall benotified in writing of the decision of the State Board.

B. A Party not satisfied with this decision, or any other action of the State Board on said appeal, shall have the right to appeal to the National Board.1. This appeal must be in writing and be filed with the President of the National Association via first class mail within 30 days of receipt of the State Board’s decision.

2. Within 15 days of receipt of an appeal, the NationalBoard shall notify the National Appeals Commission.The President shall notify the State President and the Parties that the appeal has been received and forwarded to the National Appeals Commission.

3. Within 30 days, the National Appeals Commission shall investigate each appeal and report its findings

37

and recommendations in writing to the National Board. Upon receipt of the findings and recommen-dations of the Appeals Commission, the National President shall notify the Parties that the findings and recommendations are before the National Board. The National Board shall render a decision and notify the Parties in writing within a reasonable period of time.

C. A Party not satisfied with the decision of the National Board shall have the right to appeal to the next Convention of the National Association.

1. This appeal must be in writing and be filed with the National President via first class mail within 30 days of receipt of the National Board’s decision. The appeal, if received more than 45 days prior to the National Convention, shall be scheduled for that Convention. If received within 45 days of the Convention the appeal may be held until the following National Convention.

2. Within 15 days of receipt of said appeal, the President shall notify the Parties that the appeal has been received and shall be forwarded to a NationalAppeals Committee.

3. The Appeals Committee shall complete an investiga-tion and report its findings and recommendations in writing to the Parties and to the President of the stateassociation at least 24 hours before the report is presented to the National Delegates.

Section 2. National

A. A member aggrieved by any action of the National Association or Officer, representative or steward thereof shall have the right to appeal directly to the National Board.

1. The appeal must be in writing and be filed with the National President via first class mail within 30 days of having knowledge of said action.

38

39

2. Within 15 days of receipt of the appeal, the National Board shall retain the appeal for investiga-tion, forward the appeal to the National Appeals Commission or, if received within 90 days of the first business session of the National Convention, refer the appeal to the Appeals Committee. The President shall notify the Charging Party(s) of the appeal’s receipt and disposition, and if necessary, request that the Charging Party provide a letter outlining the specific charge and any relief sought. The letter of specificity, along with complete documentation, mustbe returned via first class mail within 20 days of receipt of the National Board’s request.

3. Should the National Board retain the appeal, it shallinvestigate, render a decision and notify the Charging Party(s) in writing within a reasonable period of time.

4. Should the National Board forward the appeal to the National Appeals Commission, the commission shall complete an investigation and report its findingsand recommendations in writing to the National Board within 30 days. Upon receipt, the National President shall notify the Charging Party(s) that the Commission’s report is before the National Board. The National Board shall render a decision and notify the Charging Party(s) in writing within a reasonable period of time.

5. Should the National Board refer the appeal to the Appeals Committee, the appeal shall be handled in accordance with the provisions that follow.

B. A Party not satisfied with a decision rendered by the National Board shall have the right to appeal to the next National Convention. 1. The appeal must be in writing and be filed with the National President via first class mail within 30 days of receipt of the National Board’s decision. The appeal, if received more than 45 days prior to the

National Convention, shall be scheduled for that Convention. If received within 45 days of the Conven-tion the appeal may be held until the following National Convention.

2. Within 15 days of receipt of the appeal, the Presidentshall notify the Party(s) that the appeal has been received and shall be forwarded to a National Appeals Committee.

3. The Appeals Committee shall complete an investiga-tion and report its findings and recommendations in writing to the Parties at least 24 hours before the report is presented to the National Delegates.

Section 3. AdministrationAt every level of appeal, members shall be afforded the rightsof due process and the right to appeal an adverse decisionto the next level. The National Board shall have full authorityto intervene to protect the members of this Association.Correspondence shall be by certified mail, return receiptrequested. Timeliness shall be determined by postmark. Costsof the state investigation and action shall be borne by thestate association; costs of the National Appeals Commissionand Appeals Committee shall be borne by the NationalAssociation. No legal proceeding may be initiated until theappeal procedures provided herein have been exhausted.

ARTICLE XINational Agreements

Section 1. Presentation. National Agreements reachedbetween the Association and the USPS shall be presented toBargaining Unit Members in good standing via TheNational Rural Letter Carrier and in Ratification Meetingsheld nationwide. At least one Ratification Meeting shall beheld within each state association.

Section 2. Ratification Vote. A ballot vote of the Bargaining

40

Unit Members of the Association shall determine the ratifica-tion of the proposed National Agreement. The NationalSecretary-Treasurer shall mail a ballot by First Class mail toBargaining Unit Members. The ballot shall clearly define aYES vote as “in favor of” ratification and a NO vote as“opposed to” ratification. The ballot shall also clearly indi-cate a deadline for receipt in the National Office, as deter-mined by the National Board.

Section 3. Ratification Committee. A National RatificationCommittee of nine Bargaining Unit Members shall count theballots. The members shall be selected as follows: two mem-bers selected from each geographic area served by the fourExecutive Committeemen (one member who holds an elect-ed State Board or a District Representative position and theother from the general membership) and a ninth memberselected at large. No National Officer shall serve on thecommittee. The National President, with the approval of theNational Board, shall make appointments to the NationalRatification Committee, including the designation of a Chair.

Section 4. Ballot Tabulation. Ratification ballots shall betotaled by state, and the results posted on the NRLCAWebsite and reported in the next available issue of TheNational Rural Letter Carrier. The proposed NationalAgreement shall be considered rejected in the event of a tie.

ARTICLE XIIParliamentary Authority

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules ofOrder Newly Revised shall govern the Association in casesto which they are applicable and in which they are notinconsistent with the Constitution or any special rules oforder the Association may adopt.

41

ARTICLE XIIIAmendment of Constitution

This Constitution may be amended at any NationalConvention by a two-thirds vote. Amendments shall takeeffect immediately, unless otherwise ordered by theConvention. The National Board shall have the authority tomake interim amendments to the Constitution of theAssociation when necessary to conform to federal law. Anyprovision of this Constitution which conflicts with federal orstate law, regulation or ordinance shall be inoperative as tothose jurisdictions in which said federal or state law, regula-tion or ordinance is in force.

APPENDIX AIn compliance with Federal Labor Laws, all Local and/or

District Units must have a Constitution. All sections in thisUniform Local Unit Constitution must be included. However,adoption of this Uniform Constitution by the Local or DistrictUnit eliminates the need for any other Unit Constitution.

The Local and/or District Unit may make amendments tothis Uniform Constitution, but no amendment shall be in con-flict with the State Constitution or the NRLCA Constitution.

UNIFORM LOCAL AND/OR DISTRICT UNIT CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE IName

The name of this Association shall be the_______________________, hereafter referred to as theUnit. This Association shall be a subordinate unit of the__________________________(State) Rural LetterCarriers’ Association (__RLCA) and the National Rural LetterCarriers’ Association (NRLCA).

42

43

ARTICLE IIPurpose

The purpose of this Unit shall be as provided in Article II ofthe NRLCA Constitution.

ARTICLE IIIMembers

Eligibility for membership in this Unit shall be in compliancewith Article III of the NRLCA Constitution and with the assign-ment of subordinate units by the (State)___________RLCA.

ARTICLE IVOfficers

Section 1. Officers. The elective officers of this Unit shall bea President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer (or a com-bined Secretary-Treasurer) and such other officers as theUnit deems necessary.

Section 2. Duties. The Unit Officers shall perform such dutiesas are prescribed in this Constitution, by the State Board orin the adopted parliamentary authority. No Officer of thisUnit shall incur any indebtedness on its behalf or appropri-ate any money without authority from the Unit. Officers shallaccount for and deliver to their successors or to the Unit allmonies, books, papers, securities or other property of theUnit at the end of their term of office or when requested bythe State Board.

A. President. The President shall be responsible for the supervision of all activities of the Unit and shall enforce compliance with the NRLCA Constitution and the (state) _____ Constitution. The President shall preside at all meetings and shall be entitled to one vote on all matters tocome before the Unit. The President shall sign papers or documents requiring the President’s signature.

B. Vice President. The Vice President shall serve in the

absence of the President and perform other duties as pre-scribed by the President.

C. Secretary. The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping the minutes, handling of finances, reports and correspondence relating thereto and shall establish an approved accounting and record keeping system. The Secretary shall make a report at each regular meeting of all monies received and expended, report on all official correspondence and shall file any necessary governmen-tal reports. The Secretary shall perform other duties as pre-scribed by the President.

D. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall make a report at each meeting of all monies received and expended, shall maketimely deposits of all monies into the Unit’s accounts and pay all authorized bills.

E. Executive Board. An Executive Board is optional with each Unit, but shall consist of all of the Unit Officers and not more than 6 additional members, if authorized. The Executive Board shall have authority to act for the Unit Membership between meetings.

Section 3. Election. Only members in good standing shall beeligible to nominate, vote or hold office in this Unit. Electionof officers shall be by secret ballot and shall take place atthe annual meeting. The Unit President shall make appoint-ments when necessary to fill vacancies in elective positionsuntil the next annual meeting.

Section 4. Convention Delegates. All delegates to the StateConvention shall be elected by secret ballot.

ARTICLE VMeetings

Section 1. Meetings. Meetings shall be held as determinedby the Unit. Failure to hold a meeting at least once a yearshall cause revocation of the Unit Charter. A permanent

44

45

record of the minutes which accurately reflects the businesstransacted at each meeting shall be kept by the Secretary.

Section 2. Special Meeting. A special meeting may becalled by the Unit President or at the request of 25% of themembers. No business other than that for which the specialmeeting is called shall be transacted.

Section 3. Quorum. Those members in attendance shall con-stitute a quorum for the transaction of the Unit’s business atany meeting.

Section 4. Annual Meeting. Notice of the annual meeting forthe purpose of election of Unit officers shall be given in writ-ing to each member not less than 15 calendar days prior tothe meeting date. The annual meeting must be held at least40 days prior to the State Convention. The meeting noticeshall be mailed to each member at the last known address.

Section 5. Agenda. A suggested order of business mayinclude:

Call to Order

Reading and Approval of Minutes

Reading of Financial Report

Unfinished Business

New Business

Adjournment

ARTICLE VIDissolution

In the event of dissolution or revocation of the Unit’s charter,all assets shall become the property of the State Association.

ARTICLE VIIParliamentary Authority

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of

Order Newly Revised shall govern the Unit in cases to whichthey are applicable and in which they are not inconsistentwith the Constitution or any special rules of order the Unitmay adopt.

ARTICLE VIIIAmendment

This Constitution may be amended at a Unit meeting by atwo-thirds vote, provided that each member has been noti-fied in writing at least 15 days prior that Constitutionalchanges will be considered. All amendments to thisConstitution shall become effective upon approval of the(state) ________ Rural Letter Carriers’ Association.

46

47

NRLCA NATIONAL CONVENTIONS1st—Chicago, IL.....................1903

2nd—St. Louis, MO...............1904

3rd—Indianapolis, IN

...........1905

4th—Peoria, IL.........................1906

5th—Atlanta, GA....................1907

6th—Omaha, NE...................1908

7th—Rochester, NY...............1909

8th—Little Rock, AR.................1910

9th—Milwaukee, W

I..............1911

10th—N

ashville, TN...............1912

11th—Evansville, IN................1913

12th—W

ashington, DC.........1914

13th—Detroit, MI....................1915

14th—Chicago, IL...................1916

15th—Kansas C

ity, M

O........1917

—Cancelled (W

W I)..............1918

16th—Dayton, OH.................1919

17th—Dallas, TX.....................1920

18th—W

ashington, DC.........1921

19th—Buffalo, N

Y..................1922

20th—Louisville, KY...............1923

21st—St. Paul, MN................1924

22nd—Cleveland, O

H.........1925

23rd—Philadelphia, PA.........1926

24th—O

klahoma City, O

K..1927

25th—Peoria, IL......................1928

26th—Savannah, GA...........1929

27th—Detroit, MI...................1930

28th—Los Angeles, CA.........1931

29th—Baltimore, MD............1932

30th—Des Moines, IA..........1933

31st—Denver, CO..................1934

32nd—Boston, MA...............1935

33rd—Indianapolis, IN.........1936

34th—N

ew Orleans, LA.......1937

35th—W

ashington, DC........1938

36th—Portland, O

R...............1939

37th—St. Louis, MO..............1940

38th—Columbus, OH............1941

39th—St. Paul, M

N................1942

40th—Cincinnati, OH............1943

41st—Cincinnati, Ohio..........1944

—Cancelled ( W

W II)...........1945

42nd—Des Moines, IA.........1946

43rd—Tam

pa, FL....................1947

44th—St. Paul, M

N...............1948

45th—G

rand Rapids, MI......1949

46th—Spokane, W

A.............1950

47th—St. Louis, MO..............1951

48th—Stillwater, O

K..............1952

49th—Chicago, IL..................1953

50th—Dallas, TX.....................1954

51st—Buffalo, N

Y..................1955

52nd—Louisville, KY..............1956

53rd—Jackson, M

S...............1957

54th—Des Moines, IA...........1958

55th—W

ashington, DC........1959

56th—Indianapolis, IN.........1960

57th—Atlanta, GA..................1961

58th—Los Angeles, CA........1962

59th—Pittsburgh, PA..............1963

60th—M

inneapolis, MN......1964

61st—Boston, MA..................1965

62nd—N

ew Orleans, LA.....1966

63rd—Cleveland, O

H...........1967

64th—Denver, CO.................1968

65th—H

ot Springs, AR..........1969

66th—M

iami Beach, FL........1970

67th—Portland, O

R................1971

68th—Kansas C

ity, M

O.......1972

69th—Richmond, VA.............1973

70th—Knoxville, TN...............1974

71st—San Antonio, TX..........1975

72nd—Birmingham

, AL.........1976

73rd—Spokane, W

A............1977

74th—Indianapolis, IN..........1978

75th—Biloxi, M

S....................1979

76th—W

ichita, KS..................1980

77th—Baltimore, MD............1981

78th—Rapid City, SD............1982

79th—Albuquerque, N

M.....1983

80th—Savannah, GA...........1984

81st—Louisville, KY................1985

82nd—Des Moines, IA.........1986

83rd—Reno, NV....................1987

84th—O

rlando, FL.................1988

85th—Buffalo, N

Y.................1989

86th—Little Rock, AR.............1990

87th—St. Paul, M

N................1991

88th—Tulsa, O

K.....................1992

89th—Philadelphia, PA.........1993

90th—G

reensboro, NC........1994

91st—New Orleans, LA

.......1995

92nd—Charleston, W

V........1996

93rd—Portland, O

R...............1997

94th—Denver, CO.................1998

95th—N

ashville, TN..............1999

96th—M

adison, W

I..............2000

97th—Atlantic City, N

J..........2001

98th—Portland, M

E...............2002

99th—Chicago, IL..................2003

100th—Kansas City, M

O....2004

101st—Minneapolis, MN....2005

102nd—Charleston, SC......2006

103rd—Grand Rapids, MI..2007

104th—Lexington, KY...........2008

105th—Grapevine, TX..........2009

106th—Spokane, WA...........2010

107th—Savannah, G

A..........2011

108th—Buffalo, N

Y...............2012

109th—St. Louis, MO............2013

110th—Grapevine, TX...........2014

111th—Reno, N

V..................2015

PresidentHelen Schuster183 News StreetJacksonville, FL 32211Tel: 904-705-0794

Vice PresidentSheila Reardon-Gilman6132 Reservoir RoadHamilton, NY 13346Tel: 315-824-6618

Secretary-TreasurerElizabeth Sullivan13029 Hwy 265Jefferson, SC 29718Tel: 843-658-7683

Exec. Comm. ChairmanJulie Houston1140 Campion LaneFlorissant, MO 63031Tel: 314-239-1519

Exec. Comm. SecretaryCheryl Rodenbeck303 W. Quinn StreetThorndale, TX 76577Tel: 512-468-3591

Exec. Comm. MemberKaren Vermeer1008 Sunshine StreetBoyden, IA 51234Tel: 712-725-2533

NRLCA NATIONAL AUXILIARY OFFICERS

PresidentLiam Gibson12 Glen View RoadTowaco, NJ 07082

1st Vice PresidentDana Gibson12 Glen View RoadTowaco, NJ 07082

2nd Vice PresidentSavannah Miller9 Community DriveWindsor, VA 23487

SecretaryShannon Duffy1028 East Park St.Winner, SD 57580

TreasurerNick Gurganus376 Red Fox St.Shallotte, NC 28470

Junior SponsorsSandy and Monty Smith402 E. 2nd St.Herscher, IL 60941Tel: 815-426-2438

NRLCA NATIONAL JUNIOR OFFICERS

48

PresidentJeff OakleyPO Box 212Audubon, IA 50025-0212Tel: 712-563-2031

Vice PresidentDiane Irrgang18 Cannon Range Rd.Milmay, NJ 08340Tel: 609-364-4233

Secretary-TreasurerMichelle Smith52314 Twin Lakeview Dr.Dowagiac, MI 49015Tel: 269-209-6923

NRLCA STATE EDITORS’ ASSOCIATION

PresidentSusan Robinson17210 McIntosh RoadHilliard, FL 32046Tel: 904-845-7986

Vice PresidentJames Tucker2429 Fattybread Branch RdWilliamsport, TN 38487Tel: 931-583-2272

Secretary-TreasurerDiana HausfeldPO Box 105Minster, OH 45865-0105Tel: 419-501-2213

Executive Committee3-year CommitteemanSharon Swain6079 Birch StMays Landing, NJ 08330609-335-7627

Executive Committee2-year CommitteemanSusan Tiffany2788 Rocky RoadTomahawk, WI 54487715-612-2060

NRLCA PROVIDENT GUILD

49

NRLCA LADY CARRIERS’ CLUB

PresidentBob Keyes811 Brown RoadReading, MI 49274Tel: 517-262-6997

Vice PresidentDouglas Atwood10287 W 140th St NCollins, IA 50055Tel: 641-385-2511

Secretary-TreasurerJames G. Sullivan122 W. Richardson Rd.Bad Axe, MI 48413Tel: 989-269-6348

3-Year Exec. Comm.Shawn Warren3801 Hwy 55Wilsonville, AL 35186Tel: 256-734-5228

2-Year Exec. Comm.Emerson A. Kretzer IV1210 Sacramento St.St. Joseph, MO 64503Tel: 816-262-0043

1-Year Exec. Comm.Raymond Crain5357 S. 60th Rd.Walnut Grove, MO 65770Tel: 417-326-9931

NRLCA ARMED FORCES VETERANS’ CLUB

PresidentMel Kallal229 Fredricks Ln.Jefferson City, MO 65101Tel: 318-348-1450

Vice PresidentHelen Jones12100 S. 100 W.Columbus, IN 47201-4708Tel: 812-342-4703

Secretary-TreasurerJanice Whaley3215 Mayfield Dr.Johnson City, TN 37604Tel: 423-773-2013

NRLCA RETIRED &PIONEER CARRIERS’CLUB

50

PresidentMargaret ThronePO Box 6505Somerset, NJ 08875Tel: 732-274-2663

Vice PresidentLaura Byrnside803 Sandy LaneRuston, LA 71270Tel: 318-614-6272

Secretary-TreasurerChristine PittmanPO Box 5062Norco, CA 92860-8002Tel: 951-768-7795

51

2016Nashville, TNAugust 16-19, 2016

2017National Harbor, MDAugust 15-18, 2017

2018Grand Rapids, MIAugust 14-17, 2018

2019Grapevine, TX August 13-16, 2019

2020TBA

NRLCA NATIONAL CONVENTIONS 2016-2019

Alabama ........3,377

Alaska...................18

Arizona...........1,386

Arkansas.........1,922

California........3,182

Colorado ........1,166

Connecticut .....1,013

Delaware ...........410

Florida ............5,573

Georgia..........4,975

Hawaii................101

Idaho ..................819

Illinois .............4,038

Indiana ...........3,461

Iowa................2,291

Kansas ............1,583

Kentucky.........2,527

Louisiana ........1,984

Maine ................928

Maryland........1,614

Massachusetts1,302

Michigan........4,309

Minnesota ......2,852

Mississippi ......1,925

Missouri..........3,388

Montana........... 308

Nebraska .......1,392

Nevada .............356

New Hampshire828

New Jersey ....1,440

New Mexico .....494

New York .......2,943

N Carolina .....4,718

North Dakota.....612

Ohio ...............4,336

Oklahoma ......1,809

Oregon...........1,065

Pennsylvania ...4,511

Puerto Rico...........65

Rhode Island......208

S Carolina......2,637

South Dakota ....658

Tennessee.......3,459

Texas ...............7,277

Utah ...................554

Vermont..............452

Virgin Islands..........2

Virginia............3,011

Washington.....1,911

West Virginia.....848

Wisconsin .......3,374

Wyoming .............72

2014 - 2015 STATE MEMBERSHIPS as of 6-30-15

Total Membership 105,484

52

The following is a listing of each chartered state/territory in the ranking order of their joining the

National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association.

1 NEW YORK2 CALIFORNIA3 NEW HAMPSHIRE4 MINNESOTA5 INDIANA6 OKLAHOMA7 COLORADO8 OREGON9 IOWA10 MASSACHUSETTS11 OHIO12 MISSOURI13 TEXAS14 ILLINOIS15 PENNSYLVANIA16 GEORGIA17 KANSAS18 NORTH CAROLINA19 MICHIGAN20 ALABAMA21 TENNESSEE22 NEBRASKA23 IDAHO24 VIRGINIA25 WISCONSIN26 SOUTH CAROLINA27 MARYLAND

28 ARKANSAS29 CONNECTICUT30 NORTH DAKOTA31 WASHINGTON32 VERMONT33 NEW JERSEY34 SOUTH DAKOTA35 MAINE36 KENTUCKY37 MISSISSIPPI38 DELAWARE39 RHODE ISLAND40 WEST VIRGINIA41 FLORIDA42 LOUISIANA43 MONTANA44 ARIZONA45 NEW MEXICO46 WYOMING47 UTAH48 NEVADA49 TERRITORY OFPUERTO RICOALASKAHAWAII